Pakistan’s Stance on the Kashmir Issue
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the historical significance of the November 1947 events. He highlighted that Pakistan pays homage to the thousands of Kashmiri martyrs who sacrificed their lives in their long struggle for freedom.
“In utter denial of United Nations Security Council resolutions and in violation of international law, India has held illegal usurpation and illegitimate occupation of Kashmir. Pakistan and all other proponents of fundamental human rights voice their censure in the strongest terms,” the prime minister stated in a message observed today on the Jammu Massacre of 1947.
He pointed out that India is guilty of protracted violations of fundamental human rights, the right to self-determination, and international law. According to the prime minister, 6 November 1947 is considered the darkest day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, etched in the minds of Kashmiris as a fresh wound even after decades. Each year, Kashmiris across the world commemorate it as the “first massive genocide” of the Kashmiris by brutal Indian armed forces.
In November 1947, the Indian forces and extremists brutally tortured and massacred thousands (237,000) of Kashmiris in a genocidal attempt to change the demographic and religious majority of the Kashmiri population. The prime minister emphasized that such illegal and unilateral attempts by Indian forces to alter the demographic majority of Muslims in Kashmir continue till date. He added that the illegal actions of 5 August 2019 are an extension of the same pattern.
The prime minister also mentioned that the day incarnated the exceptional courage and unwavering determination of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to secure their inalienable right to freedom. He noted that the day also testified that generations of Kashmiris valiantly challenged Indian forces and never succumbed to Indian brutalities and atrocities.
He said that Kashmiris have never shirked away from rendering sacrifices for their just cause. “Today, the Government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan pay heartfelt tribute to the valued sacrifices of Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Pakistan extends unequivocal support to the oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” he added.
The prime minister further stressed that Pakistan reiterates its commitment at the global diplomatic front. He stated that Pakistan will continue to raise the issue of Kashmir and extend its political, diplomatic, and moral support to the people of Kashmir.
The international community should emphatically voice their concerns about the continued violation of human rights and international law by India in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he emphasized. At every international diplomatic forum, he said Pakistan maintains a principled position that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in line with the UNSC resolutions and as per the just aspirations of Kashmiris.